As the flagship of the TT range, the Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable benefits from the best technologies developed by the Danish brand. This model therefore features a sophisticated anti-vibration system comprising a carbon fiber tonearm equipped with ATS technology. The Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition is a true plug-and-play solution, with its switchable preamplifier and pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. Sold for €999, can Argon Audio’s help you rediscover your favorite vinyl records?
Included accessories
The Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable is delivered perfectly wedged inside a large cardboard box. The chassis, platter and premounted Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge are therefore all ideally protected. A dust cover, belt, rubber platter mat and counterweight are also inside the box, alongside a removable power adapter and the RCA cable.
Presentation
What are the differences between the TT-4 Special Edition and the TT-4?
The limited edition Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable differs from the other models in the Argon Audio TT-4 range in several ways.
It has a superb black lacquer finish, adorned with the brand’s logo on the front of the deck and the inscription “Special Edition” in gold letters, highlighting the unique and luxurious aspect of this model. The gorgeous design and high-quality finish catch your attention as soon as the turntable is taken out of the box. However, the lacquer finish does tend to show fingerprints and dust.
Compared to the other Argon Audio TT-4 models, the higher price of this limited edition is justified by the addition of a platter damping system. By keeping the platter suspended above the chassis, it limits the vibrations inherent in belt drive systems. In order to reduce internal resonance and vibrations as much as possible, the Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable also comes with a rubber platter mat. Last but not least, this special edition features a pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, while the Argon Audio TT-4 models are equipped with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.
Integrated phono preamplifier
The Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable has a built-in RIAA preamplification system. The latter allows you to connect the turntable to any RCA line input on an amplifier (aux input, CD, tuner…). Conveniently, this integrated preamp can be deactivated. As a result, music lovers can use a separate phono preamp, or connect it to a dedicated phono input.
Carbon tonearm
The Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable is equipped with a tonearm made from an alloy of carbon fiber and aluminum. This material makes the tonearm extremely rigid, while keeping its weight to a minimum. The MDF chassis eliminates resonance, while the 1.4kg aluminum platter optimizes stability and inertia.
ATS technology
A true showcase of the Danish brand’s turntable expertise, the Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition incorporates proprietary Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser (ATS) technology (patent pending). This innovation is designed to minimize internal resonance from the tonearm. To achieve this, the manufacturer creates a small aperture on the underside of the arm. This eliminates the internal resonance caused by the tonearm’s torsion, which leads to unwanted vibrations.
Key specifications
- Belt drive
- 33 and 45 rpm playback
- 1.4kg aluminum platter
- Carbon fiber and aluminum tonearm
- Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge
- Integrated RIAA preamplifier
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 420 x 142 x 355 mm
- Weight: 7.2kg
Listening conditions
For this test, we paired the Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable with the Atoll IN200 Signature stereo hi-fi amplifier via the supplied RCA cable. The amplifier was connected to the Elipson Prestige Facet 8B speakers using QED XT40i cables. The compact speakers were mounted on NorStone Epur Stands. A true plug-and-play solution, it takes just seconds to get the system up and running. The cartridge is pre-mounted, and once the various connections have been made, all that remains is to adjust the cartridge’s tracking force to 1.5 grams.
Listening impressions
The quality of the Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable was perceptible as soon as we switched it on. When the record player was plugged in, there was no hiss or hum from the speakers, a sign of rigorous design. This top-of-the-range turntable makes the most of the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. Acclaimed for its dynamic range and well-balanced sound in every frequency range, this cartridge enhanced our vinyl records.
To put this lovely turntable through its paces, we listened to several types of music, from Serge Gainsbourg’s reggae album to Cypress Hill’s rap, the Jackie Brown soundtrack and Pink Floyd. Every time, the Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition turntable delivered a spacious soundstage. The naturalness of the vocals was impressive, and they were rendered with warmth and detail.
The reproduction was dynamic, at both low and high volume. This significant versatility also allowed us to enjoy a varied record collection.
Argon Audio’s anti-vibration system came into its own at high volume. The sound remained clear and detailed, unaffected by vibrations or resonance within the chassis or tonearm. The ATS technology optimized the cartridge performance and maximized the qualities of the carbon fiber tonearm. The result was a rich, precise sound that made us want to prolong our listening session and rediscover our entire collection!
Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition compared to…
Elipson Chroma 400 BT x Bleu de Chauffe: the French manufacturer also offers its top-of-the-range turntable in a limited edition at €999. Equipped with a Bluetooth transmitter and USB port, the French model is even more versatile. The Elipson deck also boasts a premium leather and wood finish. However, the TT-4 incorporates a heavier platter that offers better inertia, as well as a more impressive bass response thanks to its Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge.
Pro-Ject T2 W: priced at €900, the Pro-Ject T2 W turntable is a connected model, thanks to its wireless solutions. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and multi-room compatible (including the Sonos ecosystem), it revolutionizes the integration of a turntable in the living space. However, the carbon-fiber tonearm of the TT-4 turntable proves superior to the Austrian manufacturer’s aluminum arm. What’s more, the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge also ensures a richer, more detailed sound than the Sumiko Rainer model on the Pro-Ject turntable.
Who is the TT-4 Special Edition for?
This limited-edition turntable is aimed primarily at music lovers in search of a unique object with a meticulous finish. A true plug-and-play solution, it’s very easy to set up. What’s more, its integrated, switchable phono preamp means you can upgrade your vinyl system over time. It is also designed for analog sound enthusiasts who appreciate easy to use solutions.
Conclusion
The Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition is an elegant turntable made from rigorously selected materials, setting new standards in its price range. Its ease of use and impressive sound quality make it an efficient deck. The Argon Audio TT-4 Special Edition gets right to the point: it delivers musical emotion, whether it’s with an old, forgotten vinyl record or a freshly remastered new release. It delivers a dynamic, detailed sound, with an airy, spacious soundstage.
We liked
- The carbon tonearm
- The Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge
- The heavy platter
- The ease of use
We would have liked
- For the chassis not to have shown fingerprints and dust
- Bluetooth compatibility
